126 MOUNTED INSTRUCTION __ 



The driver will then find himself posting on the diagonal opposite to 

 the one on which he was posting before. 



JUMPING OBSTACLES 



The jump is made as follows : On arriving near the obstacle grasp 

 the horse with the legs, keeping the body upright, the hands low and 

 passive; at the moment the horse rises bend the upper part of the body 

 forward at the waist, the buttocks remaining in the saddle without dis- 

 placing the hands. 



During this work the suppling exercises may be practiced with excel- 

 lent results. 



In general, the horse should jump at the gait at which he approaches 

 the obstacle. 



On approaching the obstacle the rider selects the point at which he 

 wishes to jump and conducts his horse straight toward it, the reins 

 separated, the legs close to maintain the forward movement. 



If horse hesitates on approaching the obstacle, anticipate his resist- 

 ance by stimulating him vigorously with the legs. 



Jumping the Trail 



If he avoids it, quiet him, and place him directly in front of it, and 

 urge him with the legs. 



If he stops, ride back and put him at it again. 



The reins should be long but taut before, during, and after the jump. 



Among the principle errors in jumping, the following are mentioned : 



(a) A strong pull on the reins about ten yards in front of the hurdle. 



(b) Lower legs to the front, or not close in to the saddle. 



(c) Balk stifif and weight of body on cantle of saddle. 



(d) Standing in stirrups. 



(e) Legs flying loose at the moment the horse lands. 



(f) Bending the body forward at the hips and pivoting at the knees. 



(g) Reins too short, and stififness in shoulders, arms and wrists. 



